Ashton restaurants were sold to two young businessmen from Portnew

Originally from the PortNew area, the two founders in their early thirties had a lot of ideas. Ten years ago, as part of a university project, they drew up a business plan for the purchase of Chez Ashton.

Negotiations with Ashton LeBland, the founder of the company in the Quebec region, began three years ago. Now it is still difficult for the couple to believe that the transaction is complete.

This is a dream that has been going on for over ten years. When we woke up this morning, we spotted ourselves a little bit to make sure we were really in the real world. We are very happy and honoredSaid Jean-Christophe Liret.

Company

Ashton LeBland opened the first of its 23 branches in 1969 in L’Ancienne-Lorette. He has been approached several times by restaurant associations in recent years. He preferred to sell to young entrepreneurs in the area.

I’m proud to send the torch to Emily and Jean-Christophe. They belong to the area, they are young and they have the experience they need. But most of all, we have the same values. For me, it is important to confirm the legacy through the people from here who care about the vitality of the organization and the area.Chez Ashton founder explained in a press release.

Jean-Christophe Lirette, one of the new owners, said he would not change the restaurant’s putin recipe in the microphone of the Premier Huer program.

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Photo: Radio-Canada / Felix Morrisset-Beaulieu

Jean-Christophe Lirette also sees many similarities between Chez Ashton and his founding values.

100% Quebec company, freshness, quality of dishes, pride of team members. The atmosphere also comes out. This is really the company we want to buy from day one.He points out.

Expected growth

The new owners have promised jobs to 650 employees in the restaurant chain known to Putin. The company is also headquartered in Quebec.

They have also drawn up a growth plan for the next few years.

Existing restaurants will be restored while retaining the vintage aspect of the chain. The opening of new restaurants is also planned.

We believe there is still room to consolidate the Quebec City area and expand to the suburbs. It is realistic to launch two to three branches from 2023. We do not want to skip steps, we want to do things rightSaid Jean-Christophe Liret.

Co-owners rely on gene quote support. This shareholder has been the manager for Chez Ashton Restaurants for 25 years.

Acquisitions, the amount of which has not been disclosed, are also funded by Desjardines Capital, Funds de Solidarity FTQ and CIBC.